Emerging Tech

National Lab Scientists Work to Reprogram Genes to Fight COVID-19

Using CRISPR, Sandia National Lab researchers are genetically engineering antiviral countermeasures to fight the coronavirus—and potentially future outbreaks.

Ideas

Even Before COVID, We Faced More Stress than in the '90s

Researchers found a sharp increase in reported stress for people between the ages of 45 and 64.

Digital Government

Bipartisan Senate Group Urges Hazard Pay for Feds

Nineteen senators encourage authorization of a 25% pay increase for frontline federal workers during the coronavirus pandemic, along with more guidance enhancing telework, leave and other protections for employees.

Modernization

GSA to Partner with NIH in Centers of Excellence Initiative

One of the National Institutes of Health agencies will formulate and adopt a modernization strategy under the partnership.

Artificial Intelligence

Sammie Finalists Highlight Outstanding Accomplishments of Federal Employees

Dr. Anthony Fauci is one of 27 career civil servants recognized in the Partnership for Public Service’s prestigious annual awards program.

Digital Government

More Than 10,000 Federal Employees Have Contracted COVID-19

The number of positive cases in the federal workforce has more than quadrupled since early April.

Digital Government

U.S. Intel Community Says Coronavirus Was Not Made In a Lab

The statement from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence comes after months of speculation and disinformation.

Digital Government

House Lawmakers Press HHS Secretary for Details on Contact Tracing Programs

States are turning to smartphone apps and other digital tools that could compromise privacy, the lawmakers wrote. 

Ideas

How South Korea Flattened the Coronavirus Curve with Technology

Two measures were critical in the country’s ability to flatten the curve: extensive testing for the disease and a national system for promptly and effectively tracking people infected with COVID-19.

Emerging Tech

Supercomputing System Fighting COVID-19 Gets Upgrade

AMD made the contribution to nearly double the system’s performance capabilities.

Emerging Tech

NASA Engineers Rapidly Create Ventilator Tailored to Treat COVID-19 Patients

The new device is under Food and Drug Administration review for emergency-use authorization.

Artificial Intelligence

The Pentagon Will Use AI to Predict Panic Buying, COVID-19 Hotspots

The prototype can predict trends in supply and demand and infection down to the zip code.

Digital Government

Federal Spending on COVID-19 Doubles in Last 10 Days

The latest government spending data shows a major jump between April 13 and 23, up to $6.4 billion.

Emerging Tech

COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Uses Bluetooth 'Garbage'

To work best, the app requires many people to use it, whether they have had COVID-19 or not.

Digital Government

Self-Reported Symptoms Pave Way for COVID-19 Forecasting

Researchers are gathering self-reported descriptions of COVID-19-related symptoms nationwide with the help of Facebook and GoogleSelf.

Digital Government

States Start Hiring Battalions of Contact Tracers to Track Covid-19

As governors look to loosen coronavirus restrictions, a key benchmark will be improving the ability to track and isolate new cases. That will include more “contact tracers,” investigators who track down those who’ve come in contact with infected people.

Modernization

New App Uses QR Codes to Trace Coronavirus Exposure

A free, open-source smartphone app permits contact tracing for potential coronavirus infections while preserving privacy.